Competing against nearly 600 writers, Kelly Fitzgerald, Huebner Elementary School third-grader, placed second in the New Jersey Writing Project In Texas (NJWPT) / Abydos Learning Dana Kay Barber student writing competition. Fitzgerald entered her poem "Winter" in the contest. Her poem will be published in the organization's magazine and an awards ceremony held in Austin will honor these young writers.

"Some writers take years to create and publish the rhythm and rhyme that Kelly accomplished in a poem that flowed from her nine-year old hand to the written page" said Laura Vega, Fitzgerald's teacher. "I believe all students have the potential to become writers. It is rewarding to witness Kelly discover the voice within at such a young age."

Last summer, Vega attended a three week writing course to develop her personal writing skills and in turn those of her prospective students. Teachers who complete the course have the opportunity to enter a student writing in a contest.

"Kelly showed her unique talent during the first semester of the school year," said Vega. "I was both excited and proud to enter one of my students in the contest and learn that her poetry was recognized among many young writers."

"Huebner Elementary has a remarkable group of students and it is an honor to spotlight one of them," said Huebner Principal Terri Neuman.